Allyn Spence
May 18, 1942 — January 21, 2024
Allyn Spence, 81, of Tucson, Arizona died Sunday, January 21, 2024.
Allyn was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1942 as the first of two sons to Elizabeth and Gawain
Spence. After earning a BA from the University of Alabama, Allyn moved to Tucson to attend
the University of Arizona. There, he met fellow graduate student, Kittie Kae Weaver. They
married in 1966.
In 1968, Allyn graduated with an MA degree in anthropology and a passion for the peoples of
the Southwest. He worked extensively with the Navajo Nation on various projects throughout
his career, often writing grant proposals for critical needs such as improved education, stronger
water resources and better access to quality healthcare.
As with the Diné, Allyn maintained numerous life-long connections and friendships with
members of his church, Trinity Presbyterian in Tucson, where he served as a deacon for several
years.
Allyn was predeceased by Kittie in 2003. He is survived by two daughters and many friends
who enjoyed his cheerful, friendly, and generous nature. He will be sorely missed and always
cherished.
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